The feasibility of an in-line equalization chamber is being considered to reduce diurnal v...

The feasibility of an in-line equalization chamber is being considered to reduce diurnal variations in flow through a conventional activated-sludge plant. The design wastewater flow is 10 mgd. The treatment units are sized based on the following parameters:

(a) Compare the volume of the equalization chamber to the total liquid volume of the clarifiers and aeration tanks.

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(b). The typical design values used in sizing treatment tanks compensate for diurnal flow variation; therefore, the parameters listed above are too conservative for design based on equalized flow. What criteria do you suggest for sizing the primary clarifiers, aeration tanks, and final clarifiers with influent flow equalization? If these values are used in tank sizing, is the equalization chamber justified? (Assuming the peak hourly rate of flow is 1.5 times the average daily rate of flow, the equalized design overflow rate of the clarifiers can be increased by 50%. However, because the BOD loading rate is not completely equalized, assume the aeration tank volume can be reduced by only 20%.)